The Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has been rested for the ongoing second Test match against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg owing to an upper back spasm. In his absence, KL Rahul will be leading the Indian team as the visitor’s eye a historic Test series win in SA, leading the ongoing 3-match Test 1-0 lead in Centurion last week.
After winning the toss, KL Rahul opted to bat first in the match and revealed that Virat Kohli has been ruled out for the ongoing second Test match. He revealed:
“Unfortunately, Virat has had an upper back spasm and hopefully he’ll recover for the next Test.”
KL Rahul is also expected to lead the ODI side in the three-match series against South Africa which begins from January 19 onwards.
“It is every Indian player’s dream to captain his country. Really honored and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully, we’ll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match.”
Kohli’s absence offered Hanuma Vihari an opportunity to feature in the second Test. Currently, the Indian cricket team is leading the series with a 1-0 series lead and is now aiming to become the first Indian side to win a Test series in South Africa.
India (Playing XI):
KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
